Former political TV show host Bill O’Reilly has apologized to Eric Bolling after alleging that Bolling’s son died because of sexual harassment allegations against his father.
O’Reilly’s apology, which is being described as “rare,” was tweeted as: “Apologies to Eric Bolling and prayer for him and his family. The message I tried to send was that allegations harm kids. Nothing more.”
The comments were released by The New York Times after an interview that dealt with the evidence showing that O’Reilly paid $32million in settlements related to a sexual harassment claim. The claim was made by a former Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl last February.
Barely ten minutes into the interview, O’Reilly said: “I urge you to think about what you put in your newspaper. Eric Bolling’s son is dead… he’s dead because of allegations made, in my opinion and in… I know this to be true, against Mr. Bolling.”
In response to the comments, Bolling said: “I believe it is beyond inappropriate for anyone to bring in the tragic death of my son Eric Chase Bolling… just as Bill O’Reilly had wanted to shield his children from the allegations against him, I hope he will honor my request and avoid any future mentions of my son.”
Mr. Bolling’s son was found dead on the evening of September 8, one day after it was learned that Mr. Bolling would be leaving Fox News following an investigation into claims of sexual harassment.
Three of Mr. Bolling’s colleagues claimed that he sent them unsolicited photos of male genitalia via text message.
Fox News released a statement at the time of Eric Chase’s death: “We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Eric Bolling’s son… Eric Chase was a wonderful young man and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bolling family.”
No cause of death has been confirmed.
Source: Daily Mail